| DotMBlurb= The capital of Portugal, '''[[Lisbon]]''' has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with a contemporary culture that is alive and thriving and making its mark in today's [[Europe]]. Perched on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon is one of the rare Western European cities that face the ocean and uses water as an element that defines the city. Lisbon enchants travelers with its white bleached limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and an easy going charm. <small>([[Lisbon|more...]])</small>

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| DotMBlurb= '''[[Singapore]]''' is a city-state in [[Southeast Asia]] that has become one of the world's most prosperous countries. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. In '''March''' Singapore will host '''South East Asia Film Festival''' and '''Mosaic Music Festival 2013'''. <small>([[Singapore|more...]])</small>

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| OTBPImage=[[File:Rishikesh.jpg|none|280px]]

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| OTBPImage=[[File:AljaferiaPalace.jpg|none|320px]]

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| OTBPBlurb= '''[[Rishikesh]]''' is a small town in the northern state of [[Uttarakhand]] in '''[[India]]'''. Scenically located where the Ganges River comes down from the Himalayas, Rishikesh catapulted to Western fame when the Beatles dropped by for a visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's ashram, and the town is still known as the '''World Capital of Yoga'''. Rishikesh is also the Gateway to the Himalayas <small>([[Rishikesh|more...]])</small>

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| OTBPBlurb= '''[[Zaragoza]]''' is a warm and inviting city strategically located between [[Madrid]], [[Barcelona]], [[Bilbao]], [[Valencia]] and [[Toulouse]]. In peoples' haste to see the big cities, this gem is often passed without so much as a second look. The city welcomes visitors with its rich culture, shopping, eating and sightseeing. Its more than '''2000 years of history''' makes the city one of the greatest historical and artistic legacies in Spain <small>([[Zaragoza|more...]])</small>

{{newsitem| Air France-KLM launches low-cost airline|30 Jan 2013| Hop! will operate 530 daily flights to 136 destinations in Europe from March 31 with one-way fares from 55 euros. The launch of the new airline - which has been created through the merger of regional units Brit Air, Regional Air and Airlinair - is part of a reshuffle of the group's loss-making short and medium-haul operations. [http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/01/29/uk-airfrance-hop-idUSLNE90S00S20130129]}}

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{{newsitem| Rocket fired from Gaza into Israel |26 Feb 2013| Days after the death of a Palestinian in an Israeli prison, a rocket fired from Gaza landed in southern Israel, the first such attack since a cease-fire took hold in November. Israeli police said they did not receive any reports of injuries from the rocket. The rocket fire prompted the Israel Defense Forces to close the Kerem Shalom Crossing near the Israeli, Palestinian and Egyptian borders. The Erez Crossing between Gaza and Israel will be open only for medical cases, humanitarian aid or exceptional cases. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/world/meast/israel-gaza-rocket/index.html] }}

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{{newsitem| Anniversary of Egyptian Revolt| 25 Jan 2013| Tens of thousands of Egyptians filled Tahrir Square to observe the second anniversary of the revolt that ousted President Hosni Mubarak with a massive protest against the political ascendance of the Muslim Brotherhood. There were parallel demonstrations in several other cities, and minor clashes between protesters and security forces in [[Alexandria]], [[Cairo]] and elsewhere.Protesters at times seemed to be re-enacting scenes from the 18-day revolt that toppled Mr. Mubarak two years ago. The loudest chants were recycled from the revolution — “Leave, leave” and “The people want the fall of the regime.” Others were adapted slightly to focus on the Islamist Brotherhood, calling for an end to “the rule by the supreme guide,” Mohamed Badie, the Brotherhood’s spiritual leader.[http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/middleeast/tens-of-thousands-fill-tahrir-square-on-anniversary-of-egyptian-revolt.html] }}

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{{newsitem| Palestinians Urge Boycott of Jerusalem Marathon |26 Feb 2013| Palestinians are calling for a boycott of a marathon race in Jerusalem that winds through the city's eastern sector. Palestinians claim it as their capital. The third annual Jerusalem marathon takes on 1 March. Previous races have drawn thousands of runners from around the world and attracted international brands as sponsors. In a statement, the Palestine Liberation Organization called on marathon participants and sponsors to withdraw their support. [http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/palestinians-urge-boycott-jerusalem-marathon-18599134] }}

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{{newsitem| Iraqi Protesters Confront Army| 25 Jan 2013| At least seven protesters and two soldiers were killed in clashes that started after Iraqi Army forces opened fire on demonstrators who had pelted them with rocks on the outskirts of Falluja, west of [[Baghdad]]. It was the first deadly confrontation in more than a month of antigovernment protests by mostly Sunni opponents of Prime Minister Nuri Kamal al-Maliki. As a result, a curfew was imposed on Falluja later that day. [http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/middleeast/clashes-turn-deadly-after-iraqi-forces-open-fire-on-protesters.html] }}

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{{newsitem| Balloon crash in Egypt|26 Feb 2013| Tourist balloon exploded over southern Egypt, killing 19, making it the world's deadliest hot air balloon accident in at least 20 years. Two people are hospitalized, including a British passenger and the pilot. It was a gas explosion that caused the balloon to fall about 300 meters (almost 1,000 feet). [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/26/world/africa/egypt-balloon-deaths/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Turmoil in the Sahara| 25 Jan 2013| Hundreds of battle-hardened nomadic Tuareg rebels storm towns in [[Mali]]’s northern desert, using weapons seized after they fought for Col. Muammar el-Qaddafi in [[Libya]]. They reinvigorate a longstanding rebellion there, overwhelming the poorly equipped Malian forces with whom they clashed in the 1960s, the early 1990s and again in 2006. [http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2013/01/18/world/africa/mali-algeria-timeline.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Macedonia Flooding |26 Feb 2013| Extensive flooding has hit Macedonia after three days of heavy rain, leaving one man dead, bridges wiped out and homes and fields inundated. Roughly 300 homes were flooded in the village of Josifovo, 100 kilometers (60 miles) south of the capital of [[Skopje]]. Hundreds more houses and commercial buildings were inundated in the southern village of Dabile, where the fire brigade was evacuating elderly residents. The central Pistica dam was described as being in a "critical" situation, with authorities concerned it could collapse. Nearby, thousands of hectares (acres) of fields were flooded and 20,000 people were without electricity in the town of [[Sveti Nikole]], the National Crisis Management Center said. [http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/macedonian-homes-flooded-villages-cut-off-18597050] }}

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{{newsitem| Syrian Refugees Entering Jordan in Record Numbers| 25 Jan 2013| Syrians are fleeing into Jordan in record numbers to escape escalating violence and destruction in their country that is making it increasingly difficult for civilians to survive, said the United Nations refugee agency. More than 4,000 Syrians arrived at a camp in [[Zaatari]] in northern Jordan on Jan 24th and another 2,000 people overnight, Melissa Fleming, the spokeswoman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said. The number of Syrian refugees in the region is approaching 700,000, the refugee agency said, with 221,000 registered as refugees in [[Lebanon]], 156,000 in [[Turkey]] and 76,000 in [[Iraq]]. [http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/26/world/middleeast/syrian-refugees-entering-jordan-in-record-numbers-un-says.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Diamonds heist in Brussels Airport |25 Feb 2013| An investigation has been launched after armed robbers broke into Brussels Airport and stole diamonds worth more than £32million. in a meticulously planned heist lasting less than five minutes, eight armed men burst through the airport's security barrier in a fake police car before driving up to a security van parked on the runway next to the Swiss passenger aircraft. A Brussels Airport police spokesman said a full investigation has been launched into the raid, which has seriously thrown into doubt the security of the airport. [http://www.travelmole.com/news_feature.php]}}

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{{newsitem| North Korea now turns ire to South| 25 Jan 2013| In its latest bout of saber-rattling, North Korea warned of the possibility of "strong physical counter-measures" against [[South Korea]] after the United Nations imposed tougher sanctions against the North earlier that week. The threat against South Korea came a day after the North said it would carry out a new nuclear test and more long-range rocket launches as part of a new phase of confrontation with the [[United States]]. The South Korean Unification Ministry declined to comment specifically on the new threats from [[Pyongyang]]. It reiterated its stance that North Korea should refrain from further provocations. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/25/world/asia/north-korea-threat-south/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Earthquakes in central Japan|25 Feb 2013| A magnitude 5.7 earthquake rattled central Japan, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. A second quake -- magnitude 4.6 quake -- struck several minutes later. The Japan Meteorological Agency said no tsunami alert has been issued. The quake was centered about 143 kilometers (89 miles) north-northwest of [[Tokyo]] at a depth of 9.9 kilometers (6.2 miles), according to the USGS. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/02/25/world/asia/japan-earthquake/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Japan repels Taiwan activists near disputed islands| 25 Jan 2013| Several Japanese Coast Guard ships fired water cannon and shouted warnings at a boat carrying Taiwanese activists who were attempting to land on islands disputed by [[Taiwan]], [[Japan]] and [[China]], a spokesman said. Through loud speakers, the Japanese Coast guard urged the activists and four Taiwanese Coast Guard vessels accompanying them, to retreat from waters around the islands, which are known as the Senkakus in Japan, and Diaoyu in China. The deterrent worked and the Taiwanese ships left the area, the Japanese Coast Guard said. According to state news agencies in Taiwan and China, the confrontation occurred about 28 nautical miles from the islands in the East China Sea. [http://www.cnn.com/2013/01/24/world/asia/japan-taiwant-diputed-islands/index.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Controversial x-ray scanners to be removed| 20 Jan 2013| The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has set to remove the privacy breaching full-body x-ray machines from 30 US airports. [http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/tsa-remove-controversial-full-body-scanners-1B8038882]}}

{{newsitem| Chinese New Year Las Vegas Style| January-March 2013| [[Las Vegas]] is hosting multiple events in honor of the year of the snake according to the Chinese calender. Multiple displays and shows will be help all across the vibrant city. [http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/las-vegas-celebrates-chinese-new-year-2013/]}}

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{{eventsitem| Chinese New Year Las Vegas Style| Jan-Mar 2013| [[Las Vegas]] is hosting multiple events in honor of the year of the snake according to the Chinese calender. Multiple displays and shows will be help all across the vibrant city. [http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/las-vegas-celebrates-chinese-new-year-2013/]}}

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{{newsitem| Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival, China |Jan 2013| The event, held since 1963, can last more than a month, depending on the weather, and attracts visitors from around the world who come to see the elaborate ice and snow sculptures. This year's 'Ice and Snow World' features majestic ice castles and sculptures of fairytale characters equipped with LED lights, bringing a colorful and warm aura to the icy wonderland. [http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/events/harbin-international-ice-snow-sculpture-festival/articleshowpics/17911634.cms]}}

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{{eventsitem| Indian Kumbh Mela festival| 14 Jan- 10 Mar 2013| Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days. Over 110 million people are expected to take a dip at the Sangam, the place where three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — come together at the edge of this North Indian city. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/01/14/wrd-india-hindu-ganges-festival.html]}}

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{{newsitem| Sydney Festival 2013| 5- 27 Jan 2013| Celebrations for the festival kick off with Festival First Night – a large scale free event in the parks, streets, and lane-lays of the city, which is an exclusive feast of music, dance, and visual spectacle on the streets. Reaching an audience of more than 200,000 people, the Festival First Night is celebrated on the first Saturday of the Festival while more free concerts await Sydneysiders and visitors on subsequent two Saturdays. The Sydney Festival creates a welcoming and unique global ambience which showcases the striking city of Sydney through a feast of world class performances in theatre, music, dance, fireworks, visual arts, and food. The peak celebrations of the festival are the Australia Day festivities on 26th January with ferry races and tall ship displays at the iconic Sydney Harbour. The festival with its wide range of free events and easy pricing policies for the shows with tickets ensures that everyone can participate in the Sydney Festival celebrations. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/sydney-festival.aspx]}}

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{{eventsitem| International Yoga Festival, Rishikesh|1- 7 Mar 2013| This one-week festival gives you an opportunity to participate in over 60 hours of yoga classes from world-class Yoga teachers. These teachers practice and teach multiple styles of yoga including Kundalini Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Iyengar Yoga and Kriya Yoga. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/international-yoga-festival.aspx] }}

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{{newsitem| Indian Kumbh Mela festival| 14 Jan- 10 Mar 2013| Millions of devout Hindus led by naked ascetics with ash smeared on their bodies plunged into the frigid waters of India's holy Ganges River in a ritual they believe can wash away their sins. The ceremony in the northern city of Allahabad took place on the most auspicious day of the Kumbh Mela, or Pitcher Festival, one of the world's largest religious gatherings that lasts 55 days. Over 110 million people are expected to take a dip at the Sangam, the place where three rivers — the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati — come together at the edge of this North Indian city. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/story/2013/01/14/wrd-india-hindu-ganges-festival.html] }}

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{{eventsitem| Rickshaw Run at Melbourne Food & Wine Festival|1-11 Mar 2013| The annual rickshaw run, is the craziest way to sample authentic Vietnamese food and culture. You will be taken on a fast and furious tour of the best restaurants, markets, and hawker food. It's a six-course flying frenzy on the most environmentally sustainable transport ever invented. [http://www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au/event-calendar/rickshaw-run-4067] }}

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{{newsitem| 2013 Carnival in Rio de Janeiro| 8-11 Feb 2013| Brazil’s most popular and festive holiday as well as one of the world’s biggest celebrations when the streets of Rio de Janeiro come alive with wild parties, festivals and glamorous balls. The Samba School Parade is the highlight of the four-day event. Performers, clad in ornate costumes embellished with feathers, beads and thousands of sequins, dance down the parade route alongside dazzling floats and into the Sambadrome-a dance stadium built for the event. Judges award a prize to the most spectacular group of dancers. [http://www.rio-carnival.net/index.php]}}

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{{eventsitem| Las Fallas, Valencia|15-19 Mar 2013| The five day festival is a carnival of bonfires, fireworks, parades, shows, and other festivities, as it also celebrates the arrival of spring. Every day the day starts at 8 am sharp with a ‘wakeup call or la Desperata as it is called. Bands march down the main streets of the town and firecrackers are burned as peppy music rents the air. At 2 pm it’s time for the La Mascleta which takes place in the different neighborhoods of the city – this is a run up to the main event of Mascleta held on 19 March at the Plaça de l’Ajuntamen. Every night there are firework displays in the city and the final one on the last night is the most magnificent with firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the skies. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/las-fallas-de-valencia.aspx] }}

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{{newsitem| New Orleans Mardi Gras | 12 Feb 2013|}}

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{{eventsitem| Bali Spirit Festival, Ubud|20-24 Mar 2013| The Bali Spirit Festival is an extensive celebration of international yoga, dance and music. It is an elevating festival which stirs up and nurtures each individual’s potential for affirmative change, within and around. If you are seeking yoga, traditional Indonesian dance and more, then the Bali Spirit Festival is just the right place for you.The festival brings distinguished yoga gurus, musicians, and dancers from different countries, together at one place. It celebrates the richness of Indonesian culture, the purity of the environment, spirit of mutual learning and cooperation, diversity and harmony between people of all nations. [http://www.journeymart.com/holidays-ideas/festivals/bali-spirit-festival.aspx] }}

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{{eventsitem| Cherry Blossom, Japan|25 Mar 2013| The Japan Weather Association, in its first forecast of the season, predicts this year’s cherry blossoms to open according to their average schedule in most of Japan, except for parts of Western and Central Japan where they are predicted to open earlier than usual. The opening in [[Tokyo]] is on March 25, but estimated best viewing happens April 1 to 10, according to Weathermap [http://www.tokyo-top-guide.com/cherry_blossom_festival.html]. Kakuzan Park in [[Tsuyama]] has gained fame as one of the best place for viewing cherry blossoms with over 5,000 cherry blossom trees within and around the park. The city hosts a Cherry Blossom festival between 1-15 April [http://www.okayama-japan.jp/en/eventinfo.html]; Click for more about '''[[Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots]]'''.}}

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{{eventsitem| Butterfly Jungle exhibit, San Diego Zoo| 9 Apr- 8 May 2013| During this yearly event guests will be completely immersed by thousands of butterflies as they walk through the Zoo Safari Park’s Hidden Jungle aviary. The 30 species of butterflies highlighted this year will hail from [[Africa]], [[Asia]] and Central and South [[America]] and include the zebra longwing, orange-barred tiger and Grecian shoemaker. [http://media.sandiegozoo.org/2013/03/01/butterfly-jungle-on-its-way/] }}

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia that has become one of the world's most prosperous countries. Combining the skyscrapers and subways of a modern, affluent city with a medley of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences and a tropical climate, with tasty food, good shopping and a vibrant night-life scene, this Garden City makes a great stopover or springboard into the region. In March Singapore will host South East Asia Film Festival and Mosaic Music Festival 2013. (more...)

Zaragoza is a warm and inviting city strategically located between Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, Valencia and Toulouse. In peoples' haste to see the big cities, this gem is often passed without so much as a second look. The city welcomes visitors with its rich culture, shopping, eating and sightseeing. Its more than 2000 years of history makes the city one of the greatest historical and artistic legacies in Spain (more...)